Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease in Chico

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continues to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

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Testimonials

Dr. Saunders and Dr. Lim are meticulous in their work and are comfortable to talk to. I've had crowns on my front teeth since age 16. Three dentists treated me prior to Yellowstone Family Dentistry. Now that I am 63 Dr. Saunders has replaced the crowns with 3 implants. My teeth haven't felt this natural since my twenties!

Jill - Chico

My two year old little girl was in need of some rather intensive dental work. She needed caps and some fillings. She has had problems with her front teeth since she was very young. I had been seeing another dentist in town, even thought she did not accept my insurance. She was also not authorized to perform the necessary work my daughter needed, since she would need to be under anesthesia in a hospital setting. I had two other consultations and was so unsure of both. I was finally led to Yellowstone Family Dentistry by another dentist. This was wonderful. Not only did they accept my insurance (Healthy Families Deltal Dental) they have hospital rights, and my daughter really liked the facility, and all of the staff. This was such a breakthrough for us. We saw Dr. Saunders and she performed the necessary work my daughter needed at the Skyway Surgery Center. My daughter came out of the surgery with flying colors. Her recovery was fast and she is doing great. Dr. Saunders and all of the staff were so kind and helpful! The surgery center is a wonderful facility. They all really made a difference for my daughter, and for us. I would recommend Yellowstone Family Dentistry to anyone looking for a wonderful dentist and a great experience.